Germany is a dream destination for many! The fairytale castles, elaborate festivals, beautiful scenery, and picturesque cities offer so much to see and do that it should be included in your European Dream Vacations!
But before you start planning your upcoming trip to Germany, it’s important to understand some of the cultural norms and practical Germany travel tips.
Trust me, understanding these will help you have a better vacation! German culture is quite different from American and other European cultures in many ways.
Having been stationed in Germany, we have learned much, including many German idiosyncrasies. We have dealt with everything on this list on a regular basis.
Understanding these cultural norms and unwritten rules will help you navigate your trip more easily.
From constant stares to proper trash disposal, these Germany travel tips will help you make the most of your vacation—without any unexpected surprises!
- Related Post: Why Germany during Spring is the Best Time to Visit
19 Funny Germany Travel Tips
1. Always Carry Cash
As tech savvy and efficient as the Germans are, cash is still the favorite method of payment in Germany. The country has adopted and accepted bank and credit cards since COVID, but many smaller bakeries and restaurants only accept cash.
If you are visiting the local farmer’s markets, always plan to pay in cash.
The same is true if you are planning on visiting Germany during Christmas. Many of the Christmas Market vendors only accept cash.
- Here are 15 Reasons to Visit Germany during the Christmas Holidays and a list of the Best Underatted and Unique Christmas Markets in Germany.
Germany Travel Tip: the ATMs (Geldautomaten) are usually easy to find and clearly marked.
2. Expect Big Pours… But Not For water
This was so mind-blowing for me when we moved OCONUS to Germany!
I quickly learned that ordering a glass of wine was almost equivalent to ordering two glasses in Italy. Seriously, sometimes the wine is poured to the rim!
The same is true for beer. I mean, have you seen those one-liter glass Masses served at Oktoberfest? That is so much beer!
And the prices are so reasonable!
Ironically, ordering water is more expensive, which brings me to number 3 in this post.
3. Ordering Water May Be A Fizzy Surprise
If you’re visiting Germany for the first time, don’t expect to be greeted with tall glasses of water at your first restaurant.
We have not experienced this once since living in Germany —it’s just not typical of German culture.
If you order water (wasser, pronounced vasse), you will likely receive a glass bottle of fizzy water.
Whether you order “wasser mit gas” or “wasser ohne gas,” the price will be surprisingly high and will most certainly add up.
Usually, I only drink one small glass of water with a meal!
You can order tap water, but there’s a strong likelihood it will be added to your bill.
My two little kids love carbonated water. I’m curious to see how they react to the culture shock when we return to the United States!
If you plan on buying some water at the grocery store, don’t expect to make a quick run in and out for a Dasani or Aquafina.
It took me months to become more comfortable buying water in the stores, and after living in Germany for well over two years, I am still constantly confused by the complexities of their water choices.
Between the colors and labels, I swear the Germans make purchasing water more complicated. There are so many types to choose from, including varied degrees of fizzy water, water with various minerals, sports fizzy water, and extra still (extra flat water?).
It’s unnecessarily complicated!
The best thing to do is to go for it and hope you get something you like.
4. Use Your Indoor Voice For Outside
Generally speaking, Germans are not very loud, even when scolding you. Scolding someone quietly is a special skill; however, if they raise their voice, you are guilty of something in their eyes.
Admittedly, my kids seem to be the loudest children at the parks and playgrounds, and I can’t seem to change that. But it is what it is…
You may notice this more on public transportation and restaurants.
They are quieter unless you’re celebrating Oktoberfest or partying at an Apres Ski.
5. Honor System for Alcohol… At Times
Germany has some bizarre vending machines- from cigarettes, toiletries to alcohol!
Clearly, you’re on the honor system.
6. Don’t Expect to Pee for Free
Generally speaking, I think it’s great advice to always carry coins with you if you’re traveling throughout Germany.
Bathrooms (toilettes) usually cost 50 cents to 2 Euros. Expect automated machines, service people, or even paying ahead for a key-type situation.
Sometimes, you’re on the honor system with a little basket right outside the toilet. And you better believe all the Germans pay for it.
There have been a few times while traveling with the little kids that we are allowed in free of charge. However, I wouldn’t bank on it.
Most of the public restaurants are really clean. Surprisingly, the ones set up for large festivals, such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets, are very well maintained!
I would avoid the public restrooms on the Autobahn or other major roads; they can be pretty gross.
Germany Travel Tip: Sometimes, the toilettes may have a bowl set out for donations for the cleaning people. And I’ll be honest, they keep those bathrooms clean.
Although the tip isn’t expected, I always feel like it is. That being said, I tip whatever I have that I was planning to pay.
7. Being On Time Is Late
The German culture is big on punctuality. It’s something I picked up on very quickly upon moving there.
If you’re meeting up for a tour or hanging out with some new friends, be on time; it’s rude otherwise.
If you’re catching a bus, arrive at least a couple of minutes early.
I will admit, the exception is Deutsche Bahn—the trains are delayed all the time!
8. You’re Probably Being Watched
If you feel like you’re being watched, you probably are.
Admittedly, I am usually oblivious to this kind of thing, and I struggle to pick up on normal social cues.
However, after living in Germany for quite some time, I have picked up on this cultural norm.
The Germans are always watching. In fact, there have been numerous bus rides where I have caught some elderly woman staring me down.
What’s even wilder is that they usually don’t change their gaze once you make eye contact—they almost stare harder.
That being said, my husband and I talk about how safe this country is- especially Southern Germany where we have been stationed.
I rarely see security cameras. They just don’t need them.
Between the people-watching and the rule-following, it makes the country very safe.
9. Prepare To Be Scolded
You will be scolded if you do something wrong or just something someone disapproves of.
As I said in number 7, the Germans are rule followers, and if you do something like jaywalking or throwing away glass on a Sunday, you will be scolded.
This is not restricted to illegal activity, Germans, especially the older generations will quickly scold you for anything.
My kids and I are scolded every week.
As a sensitive person, I found this took some time to get used to. And it helps that I don’t always know what they are yelling at us about.
It’s definitely a practice in tougher skin.
It’s probably one of the things I hate most about living in Germany. But the caveat? There is never any threat of violence.
Truthfully, I would take this over the threat of violence in the United States any day.
10. Don’t Walk In The Bike Lane
Biking is a way of life here. You will see all sorts of bike contraptions- especially for kids and dogs.
It’s actually quite fascinating to see!
As an Ironman, I find it great that Germany has so many bike lanes! I really do appreciate this about them.
But just don’t get caught walking around in them, or you’ll be met with an upset cyclist.
11. Don’t Throw Away Your PFAND
Pfand is taken very seriously in Germany… and I mean, very seriously.
PFAND is the money you’ll get back when returning your glass and plastic bottles.
So, if you buy plastic or glass water bottles or beer, you can return them to the store.
I actually enjoy putting the bottles through the machine, and receiving the pfand receipts… theres something so satisfying about it.
This is also why you’ll find glass bottles sitting outside public trash cans.
Before I understood pfand, I was so baffled by this, mainly because Germany is such a clean country.
Someone can pick up the bottles without digging through the trash and receive the pfand.
If you’re visiting Germany during the festival season or Christmas season, you will experience this a lot.
Pfand for festivals is the same concept; however, you are usually given a token of some kind.
Return the token with your glass, and you’ll receive your pfand back.
Pfand can range from less than a euro to 6-7 euros.
If you visit Germany during Christmas, you should consider keeping the Christmas market mugs- they make perfect souvenirs!
12. Nudity Is Socially Acceptable
This is such a contrast coming from the United States. German culture has a completely different view on nudity… and it did take a bit to get used to.
Living in Southern Germany, right off Lake Constance (Konstanze / Bodensee) you will see people of all ages changing in public while enjoying their summers on the lakes.
And if you really want to immerse yourself into the culture… I suggest you branch out and experience a sauna treatment.
Not only is nudity accepted, but it is mandatory during treatments.
I promise you, a German sauna is such a unique experience, and once you get past the nudity, you will enjoy a unique cultural experience.
- Check out my experience of the German Sauna, and read up on German Sauna Etiquette before you go.
13. German People Are Not Very Warm
This is a cultural norm; however, it is regionally dependent.
Traveling a little through Germany, I have experienced the lack of warmth from the people. At least compared to the southern hospitality from growing up in Georgia.
Living in the Southern portion of Germany, the culture is a bit warmer than in other regions. And more often than not, I find the Germans rather pleasant!
And don’t expect small talk; it’s not something Germans typically do.
Living in the southernmost portion of Germany, in our regions, many, if not most, people don’t speak English. So I couldn’t make small talk if I wanted to.
A side note: many people have been very approachable and friendly with our little kids!
14. Sundays Are A Day Of Rest
This really took some time to get used to! If you’re traveling to Germany, don’t expect everything to be open on Sunday; they take their rest day very seriously.
You won’t see people doing yard work, recycling glass, or making noise.
Grocery stores, retail stores, and even many restaurants are closed.
There is even a holiday in our little town of Überlingen: “Stores are Open Sunday,” with food trucks and everything. It’s a big thing to do.
And if there is a holiday on Saturday or Monday, you’ll have to go two days without the stores.
15. Holidays Are Taken Very Seriously
I usually find out it’s a German holiday when I walk my kids to our local grocery store, and it’s closed. Germany has so many holidays that it’s hard to keep track.
Gas stations, grocery stores, retail shops- they will all be closed.
If you’re fortunate enough to visit Germany during the Carnival holiday, you will be in for a real cultural experience. Of course, this is region-dependent.
But in my little town of Überlingen, the Fastnact holiday is considered a season. It’s several days of parades and parties—an experience like no other!
Some of the cutest holidays are the one’s that involve the little kids. I loved the St. Martin’s Lantern parades!
- Read about Fastnact here!
16. Shopping At The Grocery Stores Can Be Intimidating
I still remember the first time I shopped at Aldi’s in Germany… I was not prepared for the checkout experience.
Those cashiers can finish scanning all of your items before you have a chance to pull out your wallet, and the next person in line will be impatiently waiting for you to frantically pay and grab your items.
It’s insane!
You need to throw all of your items in the grocery cart as fast as you can and bag them afterward.
Sometimes, there is an area to do so, or you can just bag them in your car.
Germany Travel Tip: You’ll need to bring your own grocery bags, or buy some at the register.
17. Don’t Jaywalk…Ever
Just this week, we were scolded for jaywalking when there were no cars in sight.
If you find yourself jaywalking in Germany, you will likely be the only one and expect some type of remark in return.
Resist the temptation.
18. Always Make Dinner Restorations
I find this quite strange.
If you walk into a restaurant, the staff will likely ask if you have a reservation, even if the restaurant is basically empty.
They will have tables set aside for those who have made a reservation.
Sometimes, if said table is reserved for a particular time, they may sit you, but under the agreement that you will be finished eating before the reserved party arrives.
So when in doubt, make the reservation.
19. Travel By Train
Traveling by train in Germany is one of the most efficient ways to travel! (Unless you live in the Bodensee / Lake Constance area in Southern Germany)
Download the DB app. You can easily purchase tickets, keep track of train times and delays, and even purchase bus tickets through this App.
Germany Travel Tip: You can use this app to purchase bus tickets, ICE (Intercity Express fast trains), and Regional trains. And don’t forget to reserve your seat.
20. Always Finish Your Food
Germans tend to eat one large meal a day, and it is often lunch. Breakfast and dinner are usually a combination of bread, cold cuts, and cheeses, with lunch being their larger meal of the day.
This was even the case when we had our second baby in the German hospital.
When ordering out, if you don’t finish your meal, you will frequently be met with a look of disapproval, followed by the question, “Do you not like your food?” or “Was something wrong with your food?”
This has led to all sorts of anxiety when we eat out, haha, especially because many of these dishes are hearty with meat and potatoes.
Typically, to-go boxes are not offered, but if you request one, they will bring it.
21. Know 112 Standby for Playgrounds
I say this jokingly because, of course, 112 (911) is always available. But, if you’re visiting Germany with kids, you will quickly realize that the playgrounds and slides are on another level.
And not just one level…but several.
When we first moved to Germany, I immediately thought of broken bones whenever I saw a playground. After living in Germany for a few years, the thought has dissipated.
They take their philosophy of “risky play” very seriously. Amazingly, most of the children play unassisted while their parents watch. And I have yet to see a kid break an arm or leg.
But I’ll be honest- I still can’t get over some of the slides.
- If you’re traveling to Germany with little kids, be sure to print out this Free Packing List!
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My Final Thoughts on These Funny Idiosyncrasies and Germany Travel Tips
Germany is proud of its culture, and embracing its customs and way of life will give you a better understanding of the country.
Whether you’re trying out different bakeries, exploring castles, or walking through medieval towns, understanding these cultural norms will help you blend in and have a more enjoyable experience.
These German travel tips will also help you make more unforgettable memories—and maybe something to laugh about later.
Go with an open mind, and fully embrace the experience of Germany! Willkommen in Deutschland!
I would love to hear about your experience. Please let me know in the comments!
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